PCCD > About Us > Commission on Crime and Delinquency Announces New Feature on Mobile App to Assist Victims of Crime

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FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October
11, 2017

GO-TIME: Commission on Crime and Delinquency
Announces New Feature on Mobile App to Assist Victims of Crime

Harrisburg, PA.
— Today, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) unveiled a
new feature on its mobile app for crime victims which will allow for the direct
filing of victim’s compensation claims with PCCD’s Office of Victims Services
(OVS). The announcement coincided with OVS’s Legislative
Outreach day with the General Assembly.

“Since
its launch in March 2017, our crime victim’s app has been downloaded by
hundreds of victims and their advocates throughout the Commonwealth,” PCCD
Chairman Charles Ramsey said. “Adding the ability to file a victim’s
compensation claim on the app increases our service outreach, allowing PCCD to
reach more victims and ensure that applying for benefits is easier than ever.”

The
mobile app currently allows victims of crime to search for local victim service
providers and services within their area or region. Victims of crime are also
able to access local advocates who can assist them in obtaining legal and
medical services, compensation assistance and to access information regarding
their rights and protections as a victim of crime.

The
expanded feature allows victims to file new claims with the Victims
Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP). Previously, the app only allowed
for victims to check the status of their filed claims. The new feature
allows victims to submit their information directly to VCAP via their mobile
devices in a process that is quicker and easier than the current paper
applications and online web-based forms.

VCAP helps victims and
their families through the emotional and physical aftermath of a crime by
easing the financial impact placed upon them. Victims of crime may be eligible
to receive financial help for a variety of expenses related to their
victimization such as medical and counseling expenses, loss of earnings,
funeral expenses, crime scene cleanup, and other crime related expenses.

The app was created, in
part, through a collaborative effort by the Governor’s Office of
Transformation, Innovation, Management and Efficiency (GO-TIME). Students from
Harrisburg Area Community College were initially involved in the design and
build of the original app, which was then further enhanced and deployed by
PCCD. The direct filing feature was created by PCCD.

In 2016/17, state
agencies achieved over $217 million in savings while also improving efficiency
and customer service. To learn more, please visit the GO-TIME website.

The mobile application is
available for both iPhone and Android users starting today through the App
Store and Google Play Store under the name “PA Crime Victims.” It can
also be downloaded off of PCCD’s website.

Our Mission is to enhance the quality, coordination and
planning within the criminal and juvenile justice systems, to facilitate the
delivery of services to victims of crime, and to increase the safety of our
communities.